Ascending: rising or increasing to higher levels, values, or degrees
Butterflies: The change from caterpillar though to the chrysalis and emergence as a butterfly is the greatest change in the animal world. It symbolises significant change in the course of one’s life, personality or way of thinking.
Putting them together brings us on an upwards journey of change and transformation, isn't that what we all strive for?

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Sunday, October 5, 2014

Press in different cities have had the option to try out the New Menu Options at Olive Garden and the tasting was recently offered in New York City at the Olive Garden Restaurant in Times Square, I had been reading other reviews of the menu posted by blogging pals in other cities, and was pretty stoked to get the chance to try it all out too.

There were old favorites that were re-configured and a few new noteworthy menu options for us to explore.

Menu Tasting Checklist! One hour, 9 courses + Dessert.

This is what went down:

Risotto Bites

Above: A blend of Italian Cheeses and rice that are lightly fried and served on top of Marinara Sauce.

Polenta Shrimp alla Greca

Above: Sautéed Shrimp on creamy Polenta that is topped with a fresh blend of olives, capers and tomato sauce.

Calabrian Wings

Above: Chicken Wings tossed with Garlic and chili peppers from the Italian region of Calabria served with a Gorgonzola dipping sauce. These will only be on the menu for a limited time, so catch it while you can! (These definitely have a spicy kick!)

Above: Chicken Meatballs, roasted bell peppers served on a Focaccia Bun. (I have to say this one is really good! Perfect for a quick lunch!)

Bucatini with Spicy Three Meat Sauce and Meatballs

Above: This dish is included as part of the current "Never Ending Pasta Bowl". From September 22nd through November 9th you can enjoy more than 150 pasta combinations, plus home-made soup or garden-fresh salad and fresh baked garlic breadsticks - unlimited. Starting at $9.99!

Chicken Abruzzi

Above: This Olive Garden Specialty Dish of Grilled Chicken Breast in a savory broth simmered with cannellini beans, kale and garden vegetables, is part of the "Lighter Italian Fare" menu and comes in at under 575 calories. (Fall comfort food at it's best!)

Grilled Chicken Butternut Squash Alfredo Fettuccine

Above: Chicken Breasts served on a bed of Fettuccine tossed with creamy roasted butternut squash alfredo and fresh spinach. This is a Fall Menu Item that will be available for a limited time only.

Pappardelle Pescatore

Above: Sautéed Shrimp, Bay Scallops, and Clams tossed with Pappardelle Pasta, fresh asparagus and tomato in a creamy red pepper seafood sauce. I am a seafood lover, and this was by far my favorite of the entire tasting menu. I will be going back for this one!

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Above: Pumpkin Cheesecake topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce and ginger cookie crumbles which is available for a Limited Time Only.

Frozen Margarita

MY TAKE:

My top three menu favorites were the Pappardelle Pescatore, Smashed Chicken Meatball Sandwich, and the Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad. Sadly I'm not a 'gourd' lover so the Chicken Butternut Squash and the Pumpkin Cheesecake were my least favorite (and that breaks my heart to say as I'm a cheesecake fanatic, but just don't like pumpkin.)

I love that Olive Garden always encourages guests to try out their wines and allow you to taste any wine that catches your eye on their beverage menu, with no obligation if it doesn't appeal to you. I'm a fan of their Moscato! (The ones on the menu are actually quite different in taste, and the server will help you figure out which pairs best with what which I truly appreciate!) I wanted to hold on to the last fleeting days of warm weather. and ordered a Frozen Margarita.

Bye! Bye! Summer, Hello FALL! Cozy Sweaters, great boots and comfort food are all signs of the season!

Butterflies what is your favorite Olive Garden Dish?˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙FTC Disclosure: I was invited to experience the new menu to facilitate my review, this is NOT a compensated post/placement. All opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may visit our full giveaway and disclosurepage for complete policy information.

@DeDa Studios - Soups are definitely one of my fall and winter 'go-to's' as well, I liked the addition of Fresh Kale to many of the menu items. Moscato and Prosecco are always a big hit with me as well! :-)

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About Me:

Ascending Butterfly is a LIFESTYLE Blog. While it's Founder/Editor is in full possession of a Uterus, she doesn't choose to use it, keep that in mind before hitting send on your next pitch. We focus on Travel, Spirits, All things Foodie, Photography, Beauty, Fashion, Eco Friendly, with a mind, body,and soul approach to wellness and well-being.